How to CURE your sugar addiction (WARNING: Some sex involved)

I recently came across an article by a Dr Mark Hayman, MD (http://drhyman.com/) on ways to cure/prevent your sugar cravings.

I have taken what I consider to be the 'best bits' from his lengthy article, which can be found by clicking here, and have posted them below.

You won't believe the simple tips he gives to stop your sugar cravings....

''We are all programmed to like sugar. New research shows some are genetically much more prone to sugar and food addiction than others.

Binging and addictive behaviors are eerily similar in alcoholics and sugar addicts. In fact, most recovering alcoholics often switch to another easily available drug: sugar.

Some of us need a lot more stimulation to feel pleasure driving us to a range of addictive pleasures that stimulate our reward center in the brain - drug and alcohol addictions, compulsive gambling, sex addiction(told you there was sex involved) and, of course, sugar, food addiction and compulsive eating.

In our brain, a little receptor, the dopamine receptor D2 or DRD2 for short, must be activated or switched on for us to feel pleasure. The amino acid dopamine triggers this response. Sugar and other stimulating addictions increase dopamine in the short term.

Some studies have pointed to drugs or nutrients that can modulate this defective dopamine reward response.

Overcoming Your Addiction to Sugar

Despite being stuck with the sugar addiction low pleasure gene, you may be able to modify its activity by modulating your brain chemistry and receptor function with the use of specific nutrients that either improve gene expression, or modify the activity, the enzymes, or the receptors, even if they are somewhat impaired.

For those with personal struggles with food addiction, remember it is not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Here are a five suggestions I offer my patients to help them break their food addictions.

1. Balance your blood sugar: Research studies say that low blood sugar levels are associated with LOWER overall blood flow to the brain, which means more BAD decisions. To keep your blood sugar stable:

• Eat a nutritious breakfast with some protein like eggs, protein shakes or nut butters. Studies repeatedly show that eating a healthy breakfast helps people maintain weight loss.

• Also, have smaller meals throughout the day. Eat every 3-4 hours and have some protein with each snack or meal (lean animal protein, nuts, seeds, beans).

2. Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners and your cravings will go away: Go cold turkey. If you are addicted to narcotics or alcohol you can't simply just cut down. You have to stop for you brain to reset. Eliminate refined sugars, sodas, fruit juices, and artificial sweeteners from your diet. These are all drugs that will fuel cravings. ''

(---MATT HERE----- Do you want to know how much sugar is in what? Take a look at this>>>)

''3. Determine if hidden food allergies are triggering your cravings. We often crave the very foods that we have a hidden allergy to. For a simple allergy elimination program, consider trying an Elimination Diet

4. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Research shows that lack of sleep increases cravings.

5. Optimize your nutrient status with craving cutting supplements:

• Optimize your vitamin D level: According to one study, when Vitamin D levels are low, the hormone that helps turn off your appetite doesn't work and people feel hungry all the time, no matter how much they eat.

• Optimize omega 3s: Low levels of omega 3 fatty acids are involved in normal brain cell function, insulin control and inflammation.

• Consider taking natural supplements for cravings control. Glutamine, tyrosine, 5-HTP are amino acids that help reduce cravings. Stress reducing herbs such as Rhodiola can help. Chromium balances blood sugar and can help take the edge off cravings. Glucomannan fiber is very helpful to reduce the spikes in sugar and insulin that drive cravings and hunger.''

So there you have it, to curb your sugar cravings simply increase your Vitamin D levels (get in the sun,  take a supplement, eat lots of fish and eggs), get more sleep, eliminate refined foods and start the day with protein!

Enjoy your summery weekend!

Matt 'helping you get toned and tanned' Smith

PS I'm now taking bookings for the August 'Drop a Dress Size Program', details can be found HERE, but hurry as there are limited spaces available.